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Flooding Advice

Flooding is one of our highest priority risks. Events happening around the country demonstrate the frequency and severity of floods in the United Kingdom and whilst the risk of floods in Rutland may not be as high as in some areas, it is important we all know how to react to severe weather conditions.

Are you at risk of being flooded?

The Environment Agency has its own flood map that you can use to find out if you are at risk of flooding.

Anyone worried about flooding in their area should call Floodline on 0845 988 1188 or register with the Environment Agency for automatic flood alerts.

Is there a flood warning in your area?

The Environment Agency - Flood Warnings service is available throughout England and Wales. Using the latest available technology, Environment Agency staff monitor rainfall, river levels and sea conditions 24 hours a day and use this information to forecast the possibility of flooding.

Protect doorways and low level air vents with sandbags or plastic bags filled with sand or earth. Remember to unblock before using gas or ventilating equipment

Check on your neighbours, especially those who are elderly or infirm and inform the Emergency Services or Flood Warden of their location

During flooding

Keep calm. If you are in danger dial 999 and / or attract attention of people nearby

Turn off water, gas and electricity supplies at the first sign of flooding in your property

If trapped, remain near a window where you can be seen

If the Emergency Services are on scene, follow their instructions

Be prepared, you may need to be evacuated

Do not enter flood waters as depth and current can be deceiving. Just six inches (15mm) of flood water can knock an adult off their feet. The flood waters may also be contaminated with sewage and there may be hidden dangers

Move your family, pets and valuables upstairs or to higher ground if threatened by floods

After flooding

Contact your insurer

Do not switch on gas or electricity until it is checked by a professional

Do not use food that has been in contact with flood water

Always wear waterproof gloves when handling soiled items and always wash your hands if you touch anything soiled by the flood water

Thoroughly clean and disinfect all items soiled by the flood water

Assume flood water contains sewage

What this Council will do

The Council's approach to providing emergency assistance during times of flooding is as follows:

The Council has no legal responsibility to provide assistance to residents during times of flood; however the Council has provided emergency assistance on an ad hoc basis dependent upon local knowledge and experience of the situation.

The Council will provide engineering advice on ways residents can alleviate the risk of flooding to their properties if requested and issue general guidance to all properties in the area of their response and responsibilities under the Land Drainage Act 1991.

Sandbags

It still remains the individual property owner’s responsibility to take appropriate action to protect their property from flooding.

The Council will provide sandbags or other such equipment as it feels appropriate, if they are available, to assist with the defence from flooding to persons or property within the area.

Further information is available from the Gov.uk website, provided by the Environment Agency.

Driving through flood waters

Drivers are reminded that driving through flood water can be extremely dangerous, as it is impossible to see how deep the water is and whether there are any submerged hazards which could damage your car or leave you stranded.

Drivers who ignore road closure signs will be prosecuted by the Police if caught.

Flood Warning Services

Guidance on where to seek information and how to sign up for flood warning services

Flood risk from ground water - while groundwater levels can be high anywhere, flooding caused by groundwater is more likely in areas built upon sands and gravels as in these locations the water can travel easily through the ground. There is no publicly available map of groundwater flooding at the moment.